Apple said on Monday ​it briefly removed the ‌Telegram messaging app from its App Store after a ​review found content ​that violated its guidelines “prohibiting child ⁠sexual abuse material.”

The ​company said it restored ​the app after “the developer promptly removed the content and banned ​the user who posted ​it.”

Telegram said on X: “Reports of ‌my ⁠demise are greatly exaggerated.”

An Apple spokesperson did not respond to a request ​for further ​comment ⁠on the guidelines violation. 

Telegram also ​did not respond ​to ⁠a request for comment. (Reuters)

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Apple on Monday announced an all-new version of Siri during its Worldwide Developers Conference, a move that could bring its roughly 15-year-old digital helper up to speed with rivals like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.

The tech giant also announced performance improvements for its iPhone, Mac and iPad software and new child safety features. But the new Siri is the biggest indication yet of how Apple is revamping its products as more people use chatbots and AI agents for everyday tasks.

Many will be looking to see whether Apple’s history of turning nascent technologies into popular products will apply to AI, especially after the company’s AI ambitions have faced delays.

“If Apple delivers this well, Siri stops being a feature and becomes a new interaction layer for the iPhone, iPad, Mac and eventually future categories of hardware,” Francisco Jeronimo, a tech analyst for market research firm the International Data Corporation, told CNN over email.

Siri AI

The new Siri, which Apple is calling Siri AI, will be available on Apple devices both in a standalone app and throughout the company’s software. It will be able to analyze what’s on a user’s screen and incorporate information from a person’s Apple devices to better answer questions.

Apple plans to launch Siri AI in beta later this year. The company typically releases new software updates in the fall after giving developers and the public the chance to test them.

The company also says Siri will be able to factor personal information on a user’s iPhone into answers, such as referring to photos on a user’s phone when answering queries.

The new Siri will also have a more conversational chatbot-like interface and will work across Apple devices and apps.

Apple wants users to chat back-and-forth with Siri the way they do with ChatGPT for tasks like brainstorming and event planning, such as asking Siri for the schedule of upcoming World Cup games and then having the assistant plan a watch party. The new Siri app will let users revisit previous conversations.

The camera app will also have a new Siri mode that can answer questions and take actions based on what a user is pointing their camera at. At a restaurant, that could including a customer pointing the camera at the bill, selecting what they ordered and having Siri calculate what they owe. On Mac computers, it will soon be possible to select content on screen and then type to Siri to ask a question about the selected media.

The updates come after Google and OpenAI have launched tools that allow users to incorporate photos and other media into AI queries.

The company also noted that some features, like image generation, may have daily usage limits because they rely on powerful models, which are likely expensive to run.

Siri will also support more accurate dictation and more realistic voice options on certain devices, like the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPad and Mac models that run on Apple’s latest chips.

Apple also showed how it’s infusing more AI across apps like Messages, its Safari browser and its Home app for managing smart home devices. Apple Intelligence will be able to organize Safari tabs by topic, and users will be able to create new browser extensions with a prompt. The Messages app will suggest actions, like creating a reminder or a note, based on the content of a conversation. And the Home app will be able to analyze clips from connected cameras generate descriptions.

Apple’s AI setbacks

Apple has fallen behind in the AI race; its Siri overhaul has faced delays, and some features shown Monday were initially slated for last year. Its current AI tools for iPhones, iPads and Macs, called Apple Intelligence, aren’t distinctive enough to stand out from the competition.

Apple previously rolled out features for translating speech, helping users search for content displayed on their iPhone’s screen and generating custom emojis. But companies like Google and OpenAI are launching AI agents they say can handle entire tasks on a user’s behalf.

“(Apple hasn’t) done anything that really blows people away,” Gene Munster, cofounder and managing partner of tech investment firm Deepwater Asset Management, told CNN ahead of WWDC.

The upgraded Siri could help Apple catch up.

Apple is partnering with Google on the models that will power its new Siri and other features, the companies announced in January, which could significantly improve the digital assistant’s performance, according to Anurag Rana, senior equity analyst for software and IT services at Bloomberg Intelligence.

“Gemini models have been just on a tear,” Rana said to CNN before WWDC. “They have been doing really well right now.” 

Investors and analysts have grilled Apple about its AI strategy on earnings calls over the past year. Although iPhone sales have been thriving, Wall Street wants to know how AI plays into the company’s long-term vision.

It will soon be up to incoming Apple CEO John Ternus, who currently oversees Apple’s hardware engineering and will take over as chief executive in September. Cook will transition into a new role as executive chairman of the board of directors.

Monday’s keynote was likely Cook’s last major event as CEO.

“On a personal note, some of the greatest highlights of my time as CEO have been events like this,” Cook said at the end of Apple’s presentation.

Dan Ives, global head of technology research for Wedbush Securities, called the Siri upgrades a “step in the right direction” for Apple’s AI strategy and said it sets up Cook to pass the baton to Ternus.

Apple’s large market share – more than 2.5 billion Apple devices are in use globally – could give it an edge in AI.

That could be Apple’s big opportunity. More than half of iPhones in use globally, or about 1 billion iPhones, don’t support Apple Intelligence since the technology is only available on the iPhone 15 Pro and later, according to Rana.

“They’re not going to mess it up,” Munster said. “They’ve got too much at stake to drop the ball.” (CNN)

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Apple has announced that Tim Cook will become executive chairman of Apple’s board of directors and John Ternus, senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, will become Apple’s next chief executive officer effective on September 1, 2026. 

The transition, which was approved unanimously by the Board of Directors, follows a thoughtful, long-term succession planning process.

Cook will continue in his role as CEO through the summer as he works closely with Ternus on a smooth transition. As executive chairman, Cook will assist with certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers around the world.

“It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple and to have been trusted to lead such an extraordinary company. I love Apple with all of my being, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a team of such ingenious, innovative, creative, and deeply caring people who have been unwavering in their dedication to enriching the lives of our customers and creating the best products and services in the world,” said Cook. “John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honor. He is a visionary whose contributions to Apple over 25 years are already too numerous to count, and he is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future. I could not be more confident in his abilities and his character, and I look forward to working closely with him on this transition and in my new role as executive chairman.”

“I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward,” said Ternus. “Having spent almost my entire career at Apple, I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor. It has been a privilege to help shape the products and experiences that have changed so much of how we interact with the world and with one another. I am filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the years to come, and I am so happy to know that the most talented people on earth are here at Apple, determined to be part of something bigger than any one of us. I am humbled to step into this role, and I promise to lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place for half a century.”

Arthur Levinson, who has been Apple’s non-executive chairman for the past 15 years, will become its lead independent director on September 1, 2026. Ternus will join the board of directors, also effective September 1, 2026.

“Tim’s unprecedented and outstanding leadership has transformed Apple into the world’s best company. He’s introduced groundbreaking products and services time and again, and his integrity and values are infused into everything Apple does,” said Levinson. “On behalf of the entire board of directors, we are incredibly grateful for his countless contributions to Apple and the world, and we are thrilled he will now be executive chairman. We believe John is the best possible leader to succeed Tim and as he transitions to CEO we know his love of Apple, his leadership, deep technical knowledge, and relentless focus on creating great products will help lead Apple to an extraordinary future.”

“I want to thank Art for the incredible work he has done leading the board of directors for the past 15 years,” said Cook. “I have always found his advice to be invaluable and I appreciate his thoughtfulness and his unwavering dedication to the company. I am grateful he will serve as our lead independent director, and I look forward to working with him in my new role.”

Tim Cook joined Apple in 1998. He became CEO in 2011 and has overseen the introduction of numerous products and services, including new categories like Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple Vision Pro, and services ranging from iCloud and Apple Pay to Apple TV and Apple Music. He was also instrumental in expanding existing product lines. Under Cook’s leadership Apple has grown from a market capitalization of approximately $350 billion to $4 trillion, representing a more than 1,000% increase, and yearly revenue has nearly quadrupled, from $108 billion in fiscal year 2011 to more than $416 billion in fiscal year 2025. The company has expanded its global footprint substantially, particularly in emerging markets; it is now in more than 200 countries and territories. Apple operates over 500 retail stores and has more than doubled the number of countries in which its customers can visit an Apple Store. During his tenure, Apple has grown by more than 100,000 team members and increased its active installed base to more than 2.5 billion devices.

Apple Services has been a major focus area of Cook’s, and during his tenure the category has grown to become a more than $100 billion business, the equivalent of a Fortune 40 company. Cook was also instrumental in creating the wearables category at Apple, which now includes the world’s most popular watch and headphones, and which has served as the foundation for Apple’s remarkable impact on the health and safety of its users. Under Cook’s leadership, Apple also transitioned to Apple-designed silicon, enabling the company to own more of its primary technology and deliver industry-leading gains in power efficiency and performance that directly benefit users across its products.

Cook has made Apple’s core values even more central to the company’s decision making and product development. Under his leadership, the company reduced its carbon footprint by more than 60 percent below 2015 levels during a period in which revenue nearly doubled. Cook, who has long advocated for privacy as a fundamental human right, has made privacy and security imperative at Apple, setting a standard for user protection that continues to set the company apart from the rest of the technology industry. He has also pushed for continued innovation in the accessibility space, believing that Apple products should be made for everyone. And he has made central to his leadership the notion that Apple should be a place where everyone can feel they belong and where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Ternus joined Apple’s product design team in 2001 and became a vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2013. He joined the executive team in 2021 as senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. Throughout his tenure at Apple, Ternus has overseen hardware engineering work on a variety of groundbreaking products across every category. He was instrumental in the introduction of multiple new product lines, including iPad and AirPods, as well as many generations of products across iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch.

Ternus’s work on Mac has helped the category become more powerful and more popular globally than at any time in its 40-year history. That includes the recent introduction of MacBook Neo, an all-new laptop that makes the Mac experience even more accessible to more people around the world. This past fall, his team’s efforts were on full display with the introduction of a redefined iPhone lineup, including the incredibly powerful iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, the radically thin and durable iPhone Air, and the iPhone 17, which has been an incredible upgrade for users. Under his leadership, his team also drove advancements in AirPods to make them the world’s best in-ear headphones, with unprecedented active noise cancellation, as well as the capability to become an all-in-one hearing health system that can serve as over-the-counter hearing aids.

Ternus led much of the company’s focus in areas like reliability and durability, introducing new techniques that have made Apple products remarkably resilient. 

He has also driven much of Apple’s innovation in materials and hardware design that have reduced the carbon footprint of its products, including the creation of a new, recycled aluminum compound that has been introduced across multiple product lines, the use of 3-D printed titanium in Apple Watch Ultra 3, and innovations in repairability that have increased the lifespans of several Apple products.

Prior to Apple, Ternus worked as a mechanical engineer at Virtual Research Systems. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. (Apple)

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Apple is urging users to update their iPhones after the discovery of new spyware that can take over phones running older versions of the iOS operating system.

The powerful software exploit can steal information from potentially hundreds of millions of users, said cybersecurity researchers at Lookout, iVerify, and Alphabet’s Google.

It is unclear how many iPhones are vulnerable to the spyware known as Darksword, a type of malware designed to secretly steal information from mobile devices.

It affects users running an older version of the iOS operating system, released between March and August 2025 (versions 18.4 to 18.6.2).

An estimated 220 to 270 million iPhones still run on older iOS versions, according to researchers.

Analysis from the three companies shows the iPhone hacking tools have been focused on several groups: Ukrainians targeted by Russian intelligence; Chinese cryptocurrency users; and people in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Malaysia.

On 3 March, Google and iVerify revealed details of a separate powerful iPhone spyware tool called Coruna, which was linked to Russian intelligence groups and Chinese cybercriminals.

Darksword was found on ​the same servers that suspected Russian operators of Coruna have used.

Researchers said the two hacking tools indicate a flourishing market for malware. Darksword can steal data, including emails, usernames, passwords, photos, and even cryptocurrency wallets.

Lookout described it as “highly sophisticated” malware, which “appears to be a professionally designed platform”.

An Apple spokesperson, Sarah O’Rourke, said the two tools only work against devices running older versions of Apple’s operating system, reinforcing the need for people to apply updates regularly.

“Keeping software up to date remains the single most important thing users can do to maintain the high security of their Apple devices,” she said.

John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at Citizen Lab, a University of Toronto-sponsored cybersecurity lab, told NBC News: “The barrier to entry for widespread, devastating mobile attacks has been decisively lowered… it’s clear this problem is only going to grow.”

“The scary takeaway for regular users is they can’t spot this attack,” he added.

Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 26, was released in September and protects users against both hacking campaigns, according to the company.

Last week, Apple made the unusual move of releasing a special update for iPhone users with older devices that cannot handle a full upgrade to iOS 26, specifically to block hackers from using the hacking tools. (Sky News)

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Apple is shifting its production focus to three high-end iPhone models for 2026, including its first-ever foldable iPhone, while delaying the launch of the standard iPhone 18 to the first half of 2027, Nikkei Asia reported Friday, citing four sources familiar with the matter.

The US tech company is expected to unveil the foldable device alongside two non-folding flagship models featuring upgraded cameras and larger displays in the second half of 2026. The decision is part of a revised marketing strategy and response to supply chain constraints, the report said.

Apple aims to optimize resource allocation and boost profitability amid rising costs for memory chips and other materials. The delay also helps reduce production risks associated with the complex manufacturing process required for its foldable device.

“Supply chain smoothness is one of the key challenges for this year, and the marketing strategy change also played a part in the decision,” an executive from an iPhone supplier told Nikkei Asia. (Newswire)

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Apple is rapidly expanding its supply chain in India by not only sourcing components for iPhones but also manufacturing machinery essential to make these devices locally, sources have told Moneycontrol.

So far, about 35 companies are building such machinery in India, of which nearly half are now supporting Apple, they said.

“There are around 35 companies, which already have capital goods strength, active in the capital machinery ecosystem for multiple sectors. Around 50 percent of the companies have started directly working with Apple in India for capital equipment and tools in the last 20–24 months,” one of the sources cited above said.

The American tech giant is increasing the local content in its India-made iPhones, aiming to match Chinese production levels over the next two to three years.

Titan Engineering and Automation Ltd (TEAL), Jyoti CNC Automation, Bharat Forge and Wipro are among the major players supplying capital equipment to Apple. Smaller firms including non-Chinese companies that have set up operations in India are also supporting Apple, sources added.

Apple plans to significantly increase the number of these partners over the next two to three years.

Apple is working with these companies to reduce logistical risks, lower operational costs and build a more resilient supply chain.

“The know-how and IP are with Apple of this machinery, which is used after the SMT line production, which just produces the PCB,” the source quoted above said.

“There are different types of machines required and that’s where Apple is localising the manufacturing of this machinery in India.”

Surface mount technology (SMT) is an assembly process where components such as resistors, capacitors, and chips are mounted directly onto a printed circuit board. SMT lines make the circuitry that powers smartphones.

Apple’s partners are also helping miniaturise capital equipment for electronics, especially smartphones. “With Apple’s IP and know-how, these companies are helping build the tools required for iPhone production,” the source said.

This comes at a time when China is restricting supply of such equipment to India, particularly to Apple suppliers such as Foxconn, Tata Electronics, and Jabil.

India remains heavily dependent on Chinese machinery, which also requires on-site support from Chinese experts.

China has not only halted machinery exports but in recent months also asked some equipment firms to shut India operations and withdraw Indian professionals from their teams.

“Apple understands this and is working to address this issue which keeps escalating at regular intervals,” another source said.

Apple, Titan Engineering and Automation Limited (TEAL), Jyoti CNC Automation and Wipro didn’t respond to Moneycontrol’s queries.

Typically, its main assemblers such as Foxconn procure machines through Apple-owned subsidiaries. In April, an Indian unit of Hon Hai, Foxconn’s parent company, bought equipment worth $33 million from Apple Operations Ltd.

In October, Foxconn had procured specialised equipment worth $31.8 million (about Rs 267 crore) to begin manufacturing the iPhone 16 Pro series at its Tamil Nadu facility.

“While China recalling workers back from companies like Foxconn can always be addressed, the bigger challenge remains capital equipment for the company and for the industry at large,” the second source said.

Local sourcing

Separately, Apple is engaging with Indian firms to explore joint ventures with Chinese, South Korean, Taiwanese and Japanese companies for the local production of critical components such as displays and camera modules.

It now has 35–40 companies supplying components, including smaller assembly players.

Flex Limited, Salcomp, TDK, Sunwoda Electronic, Cheng Uei Precision Industry (Foxlink), Jabil Incorporated, Lingyi iTech, On Semiconductor, Zheng Ding Technology, CCL Design (Suzhou), Molex Incorporated, Shenzhen YUTO Packaging Technology, Tata Electronics, Aequs Group, Motherson Group, 3M, Shenzhen Everwin Precision Technology, and Taiwan Surface Mounting Technology Corporation are some of them.

Foxconn subsidiary Yuzhan Technology is setting up a Rs 13,180-crore ($1.5 billion) display module assembly unit in Tamil Nadu, which will handle components such as camera modules.

China continues to dominate Apple’s supplier network, accounting for 157 of the 470 units listed by Apple in 2023, followed by Taiwan with 48. Sources said these numbers have changed only marginally.

Apple vendors have crossed 20 percent domestic value addition in India but the government is pushing it and the broader electronics industry to raise it to 30–40 percent to match China.

“Current domestic value addition is concentrated in self-assembly items — batteries and cells, chargers, mechanicals, packaging, boxes, cables, and a handful of smaller parts — yielding roughly ~20 percent DVA across iPhone models. New Delhi wants that to rise to 30–40 percent,” a third source said.

Along with Foxconn and Tata, Apple is now producing iPhones in five factories, including two recently opened plants, to reduce reliance on China.

“For this, a lot of capacity expansion and local sourcing efforts are needed. The strategy is being executed,” the third source said.

The government, having tasted success in large-scale assembly, is now pushing to deepen the electronics value chain. Critical components such as displays and camera modules — among the most complex and high-value parts — are still imported but localisation is expected once companies secure approvals under the ECMS 2.0 scheme. This could significantly lift India’s value addition and narrow the gap with China, experts say.

Apple is also pressing ahead with expanding iPhone and AirPod manufacturing in the country despite pressure from US President Donald Trump to limit its Indian footprint. (Money Control)

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Apple said on Wednesday that Samsung Electronics will supply chips from its production plant in Austin, Texas, for Apple products, including iPhones.

“This facility will supply chips that optimise power and performance of Apple products, including iPhone devices,” Apple said in a statement.

A Samsung spokesperson declined to comment.

The statement was made as part of Apple’s announcement that it would spend an additional $100 billion in U.S. investments, bringing its total investment commitment to the country to $600 billion over the next four years.

“What’s significant is that Samsung is taking over some of the image sensor volumes that Apple previously sourced from Sony,” said Ryu Young-ho, a senior analyst at NH Investment & Securities.

“Since Sony only makes image sensors in Japan, Apple appears to be diversifying its suppliers and localising production in the United States.”

Ryu said that while Sony still dominates the high-end image sensor market, Apple’s move reduces its reliance on a single vendor and supports its push for more U.S.-based sourcing.

Tesla recently signed a $16.5 billion deal to source chips from Samsung, with Tesla CEO Elon Musk saying in late July that Samsung’s new chip factory in Texas would make Tesla’s next-generation AI6 chip.

Samsung’s chip contract manufacturing business is expected to reduce losses by securing new orders in 2026 to make image sensor chips for iPhone 18s and chips for Tesla, Pak Yuak, analyst at Kiwoom Securities, wrote in a note late last month. (Reuters)

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The European Commission on Wednesday found tech giants Apple and Meta in breach of obligations under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), fining the two US companies €500 million ($572 million) and €200 million respectively.

Apple was found to have breached its “anti-steering” obligation under the DMA, while Meta was considered not to have given consumers the choice of a service that uses less of their personal data, another stipulation of the DMA.

However, the EU also closed an investigation of Apple over its user choice obligations after the tech giant complied with the DMA by making it easy to select a default browser and for users to remove pre-installed apps such as Safari.

What were the fines for?

Apple was fined after the Commission concluded that the company prevented developers from steering customers outside its App Store to allow them to access cheaper deals.

The fine was imposed on Meta over its “pay for privacy” system, which means users have to pay to avoid data collection, or agree to share their data with Meta-owned platforms Facebook and Instagram to keep using the platforms for free.

The Commission concluded that Meta did not provide Facebook and Instagram users a less personalized but equivalent version of the platforms, and “did not allow users to exercise their right to freely consent to the combination of their personal data.”

The Commission said that the fine on Meta concerned only the time period during which EU end users were solely offered the “consent or pay” option, from March 2024 to November 2024. That is when Meta introduced a new ads model allegedly using less personal data.

That model is currently under scrutiny by the EU. 

Risk of more EU-US tensions

Both companies have issued complaints about the penalties, the first under the DMA, which came into effect last year.

Apple said in a statement that it would appeal the fine.

“Today’s announcements are yet another example of the European Commission unfairly targeting Apple in a series of decisions that are bad for the privacy and security of our users, bad for products, and force us to give away our technology for free,” it said.

“We have spent hundreds of thousands of engineering hours and made dozens of changes to comply with this law, none of which our users have asked for. Despite countless meetings, the Commission continues to move the goal posts every step of the way,” the statement went on.

Meta, for its part, accused the EU of “attempting to handicap successful American businesses while allowing Chinese and European companies to operate under different standards”.

The fines are also likely to increase tensions in relations between the EU and US President Donald Trump, who has frequently complained of unfair behavior by the bloc toward US businesses.

The political analyst Giulia Torchio from the Brussels think tank European Policy Center told DW’s Lucia Schulten, however, that if the EU made its digital regulations negotiable in dealings with the US, it would send a signal that the bloc was ready to yield on its fundamental democratic principles.

‘Firm but balanced action,’ says EU

Antitrust commissioner Teresa Ribera said, however, in a statement that the fines “send a strong and clear message,” describing the action taken by the bloc as “firm but balanced.” 

Thomas Regnier, European Commission spokesperson, also denied that the fines targeted any particular country.

“We don’t care who owns the company. We don’t care where the company is located,” he said.

“We are totally agnostic on that front from a European Union and from the Commission’s perspective. What we’re caring about is our consumers, our citizens, our businesses. And be it a Chinese company, be it an American company, or be it a European company, you will have to play by the rules in the European Union and this is the only thing we’re looking at,” he said.

Regnier also called the fines “proportionate,” saying that the amount was determined “according to due process” on the basis of a number of factors.

“We took into account the gravity of the breach, the duration of the breach and then of course there are some mitigation measures, the fact that this is an absolute novel legislation that entered into application just about a year ago,” he said. (DW)

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Apple Inc. assembled $22 billion worth of iPhones in India in the 12 months ended March, increasing production by nearly 60% over the previous year in a sign of continued diversification away from China.

The Cupertino, California-headquartered company now makes 20%, or one in five, of its prized iPhones in the South Asian country, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified as the information isn’t public. The dollar figure represents the devices’ estimated factory gate value, rather than the marked-up retail price.

The ramp-up suggests the iPhone maker and its suppliers are accelerating a pivot to India from China, a process it began when harsh Covid lockdowns hurt production at Apple’s largest plant. The bulk of India-made iPhones are assembled at Foxconn Technology Group’s factory in southern India. Tata Group’s electronics manufacturing arm, which bought Wistron Corp. and controls Pegatron Corp.’s operations, is also a key supplier.

Apple did not respond to a request for comment outside of regular business hours.

Of the total India production, Apple exported 1.5 trillion rupees ($17.4 billion) in iPhones from the region in the fiscal year through March 2025, the nation’s technology minister said on April 8.

Shipments of iPhones from India to the US accelerated after President Donald Trump announced his plans for the so-called “reciprocal” tariffs in February, the people said. Apple’s average India production and exports surged all through the fiscal year to March.

Apple will increasingly prioritize iPhones from the India supply chain for its US customers, Bloomberg News reported previously.

The Trump administration late Friday exempted electronics goods including smartphones and computers from its reciprocal tariffs. That’s good news for companies such as Apple and Nvidia Corp., though the reprieve doesn’t appear to extend to Trump’s separate 20% duty on China, applied to pressure Beijing to crack down on fentanyl.

This also means iPhones made in India will not attract any duties as of now. Barring the exceptions made Friday, Trump’s cumulative levies on China remain at 145%, and will likely force companies such as Apple to intensify their supply chain shift.

But with nearly 200 suppliers and an overwhelming reliance on China, moves to other countries could take years to play out. Despite Trump’s ambition to have iPhones made in the US, Apple is unlikely to move production there any time soon due to factors including a shortage of facilities and labor needed to produce the devices.

Apple’s Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook has often praised China’s high-level of skill in making its marquee devices. In 2022, Bloomberg Intelligence estimated it would take eight years to move just 10% of Apple’s production capacity out of China.

Apple now assembles its entire iPhone range in India, including the more expensive titanium Pro models. Its manufacturing success in the world’s most populous nation is also helped by state subsidies tied to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambition to turn the country into a manufacturing hub.

Modi is also seeking to widen electronics component manufacturing with $2.7 billion in new financial incentives, and is focused on advancing its semiconductor ambitions.

Apple has a nearly 8% market share in India’s smartphone market, where its sales — a bulk of those from iPhones — reached almost $8 billion in fiscal 2024. (Economic Times)

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US President Donald Trump has boasted “jobs and factories will come roaring back” as he unleashed unprecedented tariffs around the world during his “Liberation Day” address.

With his sweeping global tariffs now in effect, steep price hikes on products ranging from clothing to electronics could largely be borne by American consumers. Now, a prominent tech analyst has warned that the price of an Apple iPhone could soar to around $3,500 if they were made in the US.

The president and his economic officials have promised that, as a result of the tariffs, numerous manufacturing jobs will eventually be “reshored” to US, employing millions of Americans.

But Dan Ives, global head of technology research at financial services firm Wedbush Securities, told CNN’s Erin Burnett that the idea is a “fictional tale.”

US-made iPhones could cost more than three times their current price of around $1,000, he added, because it would be necessary to replicate the highly complex production ecosystem that currently exists in Asia.

“You build that (supply chain) in the US with a fab in West Virginia and New Jersey. They’ll be $3,500 iPhones,” he said, referring to fabrication plants, or high-tech manufacturing facilities where computer chips that power electronic devices are normally made.

And even then, it would cost Apple about $30 billion and three years to move just 10% of their supply chain to the US to begin with, Ives told Burnett on Monday. CNN has reached out to Apple for comment.

The making and assembly of smartphone parts shifted to Asia decades ago, as American companies largely focused on software development and product design, which generate much higher profit margins. That move has helped make Apple one of the world’s most valuable companies and cement itself as a dominant smartphone maker.

Since Trump’s inauguration in late January, Apple’s shares have lost around 25% of their value due to concerns about the impact of tariffs on its sprawling supply chain, which is highly dependent on China and Taiwan. About 90% of iPhones are assembled in China.

“That’s why I think you see what’s happened to the stock, because no company is more caught up in this tariff front and center in this category five storm than Cupertino and Apple,” he said. “It’s an economic Armageddon, but especially for the tech industry.”

The chips that power iPhones are mainly manufactured in Taiwan, while its screen panels are supplied by South Korean companies. Some other components are made in China, and final assembly mostly takes place in the country.

In February, Apple announced it would invest $500 billion in the US over the next four years as part of its effort expand production outside China and to avoid Trump’s tariffs on the country.

Tech analysts agree that iPhone prices are likely to rise, even if supply chains stay where they are. Rosenblatt Securities, a New York-based investment bank, said iPhones could be 43% more expensive, should Apple pass on the entire cost of higher tariffs to consumers, according to a research note cited by Reuters.

Neil Shah, vice president of research at Counterpoint Research, estimates that iPhone could cost about 30% more, but this could depend on where they are made.

Apple has previously been seeking to diversify its production bases from China to India and Brazil and could look to shift production of key components to countries that face lower tariff barriers to keep the cost of its phones down. India faces 26% tariffs, whereas Brazil has been hit with 10%. Although Trump’s tariffs on Brazil are the lowest among key iPhone manufacturing centers, it probably doesn’t produce enough capacity to fill the gap left by China, Shah said. (CNN)

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Apple, the American tech giant known for its high-end consumer electronics, has been making aggressive moves to expand its footprint in India.

Over the past few years, the company has ramped up both its manufacturing and sales operations in the country, signalling its commitment to making India a key part of its global strategy.

From increasing local production to opening flagship stores, Apple’s expansion in India underscores the country’s growing importance as a manufacturing hub and a lucrative consumer market.

Factors behind Apple’s big bet on India

One of the most significant factors behind Apple’s growing interest in India is the need to reduce its dependency on China for manufacturing.

For years, Apple has relied heavily on Chinese factories, particularly those operated by Foxconn, Pegatron, and Wistron.

However, increasing geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China, coupled with strict COVID-19 lockdowns and supply chain disruptions, have made diversification a necessity.

India presents an attractive alternative. The country offers a stable political environment, a rapidly improving infrastructure, and a massive workforce that can support Apple’s manufacturing needs.

By shifting some of its production to India, Apple can mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on a single country and ensure business continuity.

The Indian government has been actively wooing global tech giants to establish manufacturing bases in the country through its “Make in India” and “Production-Linked Incentive (PLI)” schemes.

Apple has been a major beneficiary of these policies, receiving incentives for producing iPhones locally.

Under the PLI scheme, manufacturers receive financial benefits based on the scale of production, which makes India a cost-effective location for Apple.

Additionally, the Indian government has eased regulations on foreign direct investment (FDI), allowing Apple to establish its own retail stores without the need for a local partner.

This has played a crucial role in Apple’s expansion strategy in the country.

While Apple has traditionally struggled in India due to the price-sensitive nature of the market, things are changing.

India’s middle class is expanding, and with increasing disposable income, more consumers are willing to invest in premium products like iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks.

Moreover, India’s smartphone market is the second largest in the world after China, with millions of new users entering the ecosystem each year.

Apple’s recent decision to manufacture newer iPhone models in India closer to their global release dates suggests that it sees strong growth potential in Indian sales.

By producing devices locally, Apple can also avoid import duties, making its products more competitively priced.

Apple’s manufacturing partners, including Foxconn and Pegatron, have significantly increased their production capabilities in India.

Foxconn, in particular, has invested heavily in new factories, expanding its production of iPhones and other Apple devices.

Apple’s contract manufacturers are now assembling some of the latest iPhone models in India, a move that highlights the country’s growing role in the company’s global supply chain.

Beyond serving the Indian market, Apple is also looking at India as an export hub.

The company has already started exporting Made-in-India iPhones to Europe and other regions, reducing reliance on Chinese factories for global supply. This aligns with India’s goal of becoming a major electronics manufacturing exporter.

For years, Apple relied on third-party resellers and online marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart to sell its products in India.

However, in 2023, Apple made a significant move by opening its first two official retail stores in Mumbai and Delhi.

These flagship stores not only enhance Apple’s brand presence but also offer an immersive customer experience, something that has been a key driver of Apple’s global success.

Direct retail stores also help Apple strengthen its pricing strategy, offer better customer service, and create a stronger ecosystem of Apple products in India.

More retail stores are expected in the coming years, further solidifying Apple’s presence in the country.

Apple’s expansion in India is not just benefiting the company but also contributing significantly to job creation and economic growth.

The company’s local manufacturing efforts have created thousands of jobs, directly and indirectly, in factories and retail operations.

Foxconn alone has announced plans to hire tens of thousands of workers for its Indian facilities.

Additionally, Apple’s investment in India is expected to drive innovation and boost the country’s electronics manufacturing sector.

More local suppliers are likely to join Apple’s supply chain, leading to further industrial growth and technological advancements.

Apple is not the only tech company looking at India for expansion.

Rivals like South Korea’s Samsung and China’s Xiaomi have already established strong manufacturing bases in the country.

By strengthening its local manufacturing and sales presence, Apple is ensuring that it remains competitive in one of the fastest-growing smartphone markets in the world.

Samsung, for example, already produces a significant portion of its smartphones in India and has a vast retail network.

To compete effectively, Apple needs to ramp up both its production capabilities and retail outreach, which explains its aggressive expansion strategy.

Apple’s push in India is not just about short-term gains; it’s part of a broader long-term vision.

As China’s labour costs rise and geopolitical risks persist, India is emerging as a viable alternative for large-scale manufacturing.

Apple’s ongoing investments indicate that it sees India as a long-term strategic manufacturing and consumer hub.

Furthermore, India’s digital transformation and increasing internet penetration make it a key market for Apple’s ecosystem of products and services.

From iCloud to Apple Pay, there is enormous potential for growth beyond just hardware sales.

Apple’s aggressive expansion in India is a well-calculated move driven by the need to diversify its manufacturing, tap into a growing consumer market, and leverage government incentives.

As the company continues to invest in local production, retail expansion, and exports, India is poised to play a pivotal role in Apple’s global strategy.

With the Indian government’s continued support for electronics manufacturing and Apple’s commitment to increasing its presence, the partnership between Apple and India is set to strengthen further.

Whether in terms of manufacturing prowess, economic impact, or consumer demand, Apple’s big bet on India is likely to pay off in the coming years. (Times Kuwait)

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Apple plans to introduce a foldable iPhone as early as 2026, according to a new report, which would mark the first new variant of the company’s most popular product since its ill-fated iPhone Mini in 2020.

Citing two people with direct knowledge of the plans, The Information reports that the phone would fold across its width, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip or an old clamshell flip phone. If a foldable iPhone does get released in 2026, it would come seven years after Samsung’s first effort in the category.

The people cited in the new report said Apple’s foldable iPhone had progressed from the ideation stage, and that the company had reached out to suppliers in Asia to make components for it. Apple is also apparently planning a camera upgrade for the same year, which would let users control the size of the aperture with a mechanical system, possibly allowing for the creation of a depth-of-field effect.

Of course, anything could change in the next two years. But before we see a potential folding iPhone in 2026, Apple will be focused on the AI features and new cameras of this year’s iPhone 16, followed by the 2025 iPhone 17 line-up, which is rumoured to introduce an extremely thin iPhone “Slim” model, replacing the iPhone Plus. Additionally, Apple has just released its first extended reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, this year.

Foldable phones have grown steadily as a category since 2019, with Samsung models dominating in the West but seeing some competition from Google (with the Pixel Fold, which has not been officially released in Australia) and Lenovo’s Motorola brand. In China, competition is much tougher with Samsung competing against local manufacturers Honor and Huawei.

The global foldable smartphone market grew 49 per cent in the first quarter from a year earlier, marking its highest rate of increase in six quarters, according to a Counterpoint Research report from May. Huawei took the top spot for the first time, beating Samsung. By 2026, Apple may enter a significantly more established market, which is comfortable territory for the iPhone maker.

Samsung’s latest foldable phones, the Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, were announced earlier this month and launch on July 31 for $2750 and $1800 respectively. Like the forthcoming iPhone 16, they come with a raft of built-in artificial intelligence features that let you generate images, summarise web pages or access instant translations.

A second iteration of Google’s Pixel Fold has also been confirmed and is set for a full reveal on August 13, though it remains to be seen if this version will make it Down Under. (Sydney Morning Herald)

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Apple has warned iPhone users against drying their phones with a popular ‘hack’. Putting your phone in a bowl of rice might be a commonly known trick to do if you accidentally get your device wet, but the tech giant says you shouldn’t.

Despite many people swearing by the method, experts have rallied against it as tests suggest it doesn’t work, as reported by the BBC. Apple has released new guidance telling users it could be damaging to their devices.

By putting your phone in rice, it could lead to small particles of the rice damaging parts of the device. Instead, Apple suggested gently tapping out any liquid, with the phone connector facing down and leaving it to dry out on its own.

As well as avoiding rice, Apple also advised against drying a wet phone via an “external heat source or compressed air”, meaning radiators and hair dryers should be avoided. The company also warns against inserting a “foreign object”, such as cotton buds or tissue paper, into your mobile.

All Apple device from the iPhone 12 onwards are able to withstand immersion up to a depth of six metres, for up to half an hour. Here is what Apple’s new guidance says.

Apple’s guidance

According to Apple’s support site, there are a few things you should remember if your iPhone or Apple accessory gets wet. Fisrtly, remove the cable and don’t plug it back in until your iPhone and the cable are completely dry.

How to dry your iPhone

Next, tap your iPhone gently against your hand with the connector facing down to remove excess liquid. Leave your iPhone in a dry area with some airflow.

After at least 30 minutes, try charging using a Lightning or USB-C cable or connecting an accessory. If you see the alert again, there is still liquid in the connector or under the pins of your cable. Leave your iPhone in a dry place with some airflow for up to a day.

You can try again to charge or connect an accessory throughout this period. It may take up to 24 hours to dry fully. If your phone has dried out but still isn’t charging, unplug the cable from the adapter and unplug the adapter from the wall (if possible) and then connect them again.

What you shouldn’t do

According to Apple, you absolutely should not do dry your iPhone using an external heat source or compressed air. Or insert a foreign object, such as a cotton bud or a paper towel, into the connector.

And don’t put your iPhone in a bag of rice. Doing so could allow small particles of rice to damage your iPhone. (Bristol Post)

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French regulators on Tuesday ordered Apple to halt sales of the iPhone 12 for emitting too much electromagnetic radiation, and to fix existing handsets. 

The French agency that regulates radio frequencies, the ANFR, said testing found that the model emits more electromagnetic waves susceptible to be absorbed by the body than permitted.

The ANFR said it “ordered Apple to remove the iPhone 12 from the French market from September 12 due to the model exceeding the limit” for electromagnetic absorption by the body.

It said accredited labs had found absorption of electromagnetic energy by the body at 5.74 watts per kilogram during tests simulating when the phone was being held in the hand or kept in a pocket.

The European standard is a specific absorption rate of 4.0 watts per kilogram in such tests.

“Concerning phones already sold, Apple must in the briefest of delays take corrective measures to bring the affected phones into compliance,” said the ANFR in a statement on its website.

“Otherwise, Apple will have to recall them.”

ANFR noted that tests that measure the electromagnetic radiation absorbed at a distance of five centimetres was in compliance with the limit of 2.0 watts per kilogram.

ANFR said its agents would verify beginning Wednesday that iPhone 12 models were no longer being offered for sale in France.

When contacted by AFP, Apple disputed the ANFR’s results, saying it had presented multiple independent analyses showing the devices were in compliance, but that the company would nonetheless continue to work with the regulator.

Regulators in a number of countries have limits on the amount of electromagnetic radiation mobile phones may emit to prevent adverse health effects.

The World Health Organization states on its website that following a large number of studies that “no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use”.

The news from France came the same day that Apple unveiled its new iPhone 15 lineup, the first to feature a universal charging port in place of its unique “Lightning” ports after a tussle with European regulators.

The EU is insisting that all phones and other small devices must be compatible with the USB-C charging cables from the end of next year, a move it says will reduce waste and save money for consumers.

“USB-C has become a universally accepted standard. So we’re bringing USB-C to iPhone 15,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of iPhone marketing at a launch event.

The update comes as the Silicon Valley tech giant faces declining iPhone sales, as premium prices push customers to delay switching to newer models.

“Apple needed to deliver more than just minor updates to get people excited about buying new products,” Techsponential analyst Avi Greengart said in a demo area at the event.

“I think they delivered on that with lots of updates, some of them not so minor.” (NDTV)

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As part of iOS 17, Apple at WWDC 2023 announced a new AirDrop-related feature called NameDrop, a potentially more convenient way of sharing things with another iPhone owner that’s in the same physical location as you.

With NameDrop, two people only need to bring each of their iPhones close together, and one can share a file or photos with the other person automatically. 

NameDrop supports the sharing of contact information (users can select which numbers and email addresses to share), and the feature also works between an ‌iPhone‌ and an Apple Watch as long as they are running up-to-date software.

With the same close-contact phone gesture, you can also share content or start SharePlay to listen to music, watch a movie, or play a game while in close proximity between ‌iPhone‌ devices, according to Apple.

NameDrop is compatible with iPhones running ‌iOS 17‌ and will be supported on Apple Watch models running an update that Apple says will be available “later this year.” (MacRumors)

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